Note: Sorry for the wait. My past weeks just sucked, as usual. But no matter, this chapter is here, and that is enough for me. I do not own the Legend of Korra.
Chapter III
Intro
"Earth, Fire, Air, Water. Only the Avatar can master all four elements and bring balance to the world" - Tenzin
...
Inside the Republic City Prison, the next afternoon.
Breathing deeply, after a 5-minute break, Garkan continued to practice his earthbending stances and martial art movements, his eyes still closed as usual. It'd been two week and three days since he last practiced his routine self-discipline, not because of laziness or health problem or anything like that, but because of Meifeng. She had become quite fascinating to him. However, on account of her love for martial arts, Garkan could sometimes have a chance to refine her movements, attacks, defenses and meditation methods, thus, giving him opportunities to sharpen his martial art knowledge and his mental state. It all had been greatly captivating. Also, waking up entangled with the female prison guard, once again, had made him feel a bit... merry. It was still dark outside, yet he was ready to rise, for Meifeng needed to return to her sleeping quarters without being discovered. Even though a part of him wanted Meifeng to stay, wanted him to hold onto her warm, naked flesh for a while longer, he had to let her go. Selfishness is a sure way to lead to obsession, and obsession blinds one's true vision. And if one is blinded, one cannot be free to fulfill-
Free. Freedom.
Now the young man longed for that word again, more than ever, in view of the fact that he had just received a letter from Koha at one o'clock in the afternoon, via a biologically engineered messenger hawk. And the letter, so short and straight-to-the-point that it was more like a note, spoke of the third detector uncovering some sort of energy source, highly suggested that it was electrical power, right beneath Republic City. What the nature of the energy was and where it was exactly, no one knew. Nevertheless, Jimena was certain that "it must be equal to half of the Republic City Power Plant's stored energy". This worried Garkan greatly. For he was here, in this prison, to keep an eye on Republic City; but what use could he be of if he didn't know what to make of this ominous news with so little information?
He had to get out. But how? I don't think Meifeng will let me out even with our... 'advanced' relationship.
Nonetheless, the train of thoughts must be forgotten, for he needed to concentrate on his re-established routine self-discipline. To let loose chaos to achieve an organized, specific task, one must first master their own inner peace and order. Look inwards, and sense the inmost space; be tranquil, be focused, and be silent-
"Well, well, well, looky here, fellas, the almighty and dangerous Garkan". A voice suddenly sounded, stopping him from immersing in his inner space. "A murderer, then an Equalist, and now just a caged beast. It's incredible to think that he almost, almost, broke Beifong's arresting streak".
Opening his eyes, relaxing, turning around to look at the speaker, Garkan saw that it was a young Terra Triad crook, together with three of his friends, all around 17 or 18 years old, and all standing in front of the former Equalist's isolation cell's titanium door ( newly created metal, used to prevent Garkan from either metalbending or lavabending the door [ the walls, floor and ceiling are made of titanium too ] and walk away. Also, this means that Garkan had been previously contained inside a platinum cell, and he already melted its door once during Kuvira's invasion of Republic City ), them scrutinizing him through a sizable vision panel with thick, medium-sized also titanium bars. He had heard of the newcomers from Meifeng the night before, just a bunch of up-and-coming youngsters being overconfident and underestimating Chief Beifong's police force, together with the new Air Nation. They'll learn their lesson, soon.
"Glad to see that my reputation precedes me". Garkan smiled thinly. "What can I do for you? Some brotherly advice, perhaps?".
"Or some oral service". One of the crooks, judging from where the voice came from, and its low tone, he must be the tallest of them, snickered. "We were told you are very good at it. In fact, so good that the guards had to separate you from the rest of the inmates out there, or there wouldn't be any semblance of order left in this pathetic excuse of a slammer".
Another, sounding pretty short because of his light tone, immediately added as soon as the first finished:"Oooh, yeah, I mean- I'm not really into that kind of shit, but if there was a hole on this door, and if I fished my dick out and stuck it through, he would help me clean it in a heartbeat!".
And then they laughed.
The former Equalist grinned now. "Maybe. But I believe in repaying the favor, and the pleasure of the butthole". He halted for effect. When he continued, his voice changed from being pleasant to downright menacing. "Don't you want to squeal while I stretch your tight holes to the point of feeling like... you might be torn apart?".
That shut them all up.
"See, you are new meat, so you don't recognize the atmosphere in here just yet. I know how you were able to come to this... special place, as the esteemed, new Warden doesn't like my presence in his prison very much". Garkan approached the door. "No, it messes with his authority. He thought you could do the dirty work while everyone else was unable to; but I assure you, that kind of thinking is very very hazardous. You should quit before it's too late. Because my reputation is not a rumor, oh quite the contrary, it's... very real".
As if the slightly older male's comment struck a raw nerve, not hesitating, the pack leader countered vehemently:"Be careful with your words, you has-been bastard. You are the one in the cage, not outside of it. Furthermore, we saw that the pretty guard likes to visit you very much. It'd be a shame for her to not be... pretty anymore".
Garkan chuckled. "Are you sure about that? There are four of you, and then some; but there are many of us ready to take care of you quietly. You have made the mistake of miscalculating the effectiveness of the police under Chief Beifong's administration, you have undervalued the new airbenders, you'd better not misread me like judging a book by its cover. Your pathetic threat is nothing compared to what I'm planning for you right now. It will be long and hard for your life, and it ain't worth it either. With that said, time for you to beat it, and give my friend the Warden my regards".
With no other way to react to him being schooled by the other prisoner's wits, the pack leader could only resort to spitting at his face through the titanium bars. "We'll see about that", he grumbled, "we'll see about that".
Following this, the Terra Triad hoodlums hastily walked away from the most vicious murderer's cell, and retreated from the solitary confinement wing without a word. Garkan sighed, wiping the spit away. That's the damnable problem with problems, they never arrive one by one, even though this one is more of a minor irritation instead of being trouble. As the young man was about to return to his routine, having turned around and stepped back deep into the cell, a series of knocking sounds emitted from the cell on his left. It was the tap code.
They have no idea they just made the wrong kind of enemy, do they?
Garkan smiled inwardly. Although Suluk was a 'veteran' Triple Threat Triad, and he had killed before, he was quite friendly enough to him despite him used to being a part of the Equalist Revolution, having taught him a lot about this prison, including the tap code, and he rarely asked questions about the former Equalist's past, so Garkan considered Suluk an exceptionally useful ally. Quickly grabbing a chopstick, he returned to the door and rapped on one of the bars.
No, they don't. And I think I know how to make this prison go back to the pleasant state it used to have before, when Sun Qiu was still the Warden.
Does that include another one of your escape attempt?
If there are some drastic changes out there, yes. But you know me. When I say 'if', I mean 'when'.
...
The Southern Water Tribe, afternoon, one day before.
The moment Korra and Asami walked out of the Southern Portal, they immediately was headed towards the Southern Water Tribe Royal Palace, the Avatar being very excited, and her girlfriend still a little nervous. After a while, they finally arrived at the huge building, with both cold and warm colors ( the ice's tone and the reflection of golden sunlight ) 'decorating' the vast foundation and the temple-like part of the upper portion of the structure. Once inside, the couple were greeted by the warmingly smiling Tonraq and Senna.
"Korra, what a surprise! We didn't expect you". Tonraq was happy to see his daughter again. "I thought you were still on vacation".
While Tonraq was hugging his daughter, Senna talked to Asami:
"What did you think of the Spirit World, Asami?".
Asami answered a bit hesitantly:"It was quite an adventure- but we had to cut our trip a little short".
Tonraq was instantly worried. "Why? Are you two alright?".
"We're fine, Dad. Nothing we couldn't handle together", Korra replied.
Senna put a hand on her daughter's left shoulder. "How about we talk over dinner? You girls must be starving".
As soon as the four of them went through halls and corridors to the dining room, and entered it, Senna went to prepare dinner straightaway, with Asami's help, of course. Meanwhile, Korra and Tonraq chatted about stuff to kill time; from things going on in the Southern Water Tribe to Republic City's affairs. However, when Tonraq asked about their vacation, Korra swiftly either changed the subject or used the excuse of waiting for dinner just to be... convenient. Later, after Asami and Senna exited the kitchen to bring trays of food to the table, everyone began to settle in. Upon smelling the food, Korra said:
"It smells delicious, Mom".
Senna smiled. "Thanks, sweetie. Now eat, while the food is still hot".
Korra and Asami nodded, ready to dig in. After a short while, Senna spoke:
"So, I'm excited to hear all about your trip".
Korra looked at Asami. The CEO of Future Industries was concentrating on her food.
"Well...". The young Avatar began. "It was... fun. Really fun".
Tonraq and Senna looked at each other. Finally, Korra's father replied:
"Sounds... fun".
Korra smiled shyly, touching the upper part of her left arm with her right hand. "I'm just going to come out and say it...". She halted. "Wow, I didn't think I'd be this nervous".
Senna gently assured her daughter:"Whatever it is, you can tell us".
"So, as you know, Asami and I have been friends for a long time... And, well...".
Asami placed her left hand on Korra's right once it was put on the table again, her looking at her lover tenderly. "Your daughter is incredible. And I'm so thankful she feels the same way about me".
Korra continued, looking back at her beloved. "What we're trying to say is...".
"We're together", in unison, they spoke.
Tonraq and Senna stared at the young couple for several seconds, and then... Tonraq enlivenedly slammed a hand on the table's surface.
"That's not what I expected to hear, but I couldn't be more pleased!".
Senna clasped her hands together. "It's wonderful!".
Next, the Avatar's mother came to embrace her.
"I'm so happy for you two".
"Thanks, Mom", Korra responded while still hugging her mother.
Tonraq also stood up. Calmly, he inquired:"So, who else have you told?".
Korra turned to her father as Senna hugged Asami too. "You two are the first ( she didn't know that all of Republic City had already known about her and Asami being an item ). But I guess once we get back to Republic City, everyone will know".
The Chief of the Southern Water Tribe was instantly worried, again. "Just be careful, Korra. It's best to keep your personal life private".
Korra frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?".
Senna quickly intervened. "I think what your father is trying to say is: Not everyone will be so accepting".
The young Avatar scoffed. "So? That's their problem. I don't care what they think. I'll tell whoever I want".
"Korra...".
"Just don't get ahead of yourself, Korra", Tonraq cautioned, "sometimes you get a little too excited and-".
The Water Tribe girl countered:"I've dealt with a lot of narrow-minded people. I just didn't realize you were one of them".
Deciding to defuse the tense moment, Asami lightly placed a hand on Korra's left arm. "Maybe we should go".
"Good idea". Korra huffed.
As the Avatar led her lover out of the dining room, her parents went too.
Senna was sad to see that their reunion got cut off abruptly. "But you just got here".
"Korra, please. I didn't mean to upset you", Tonraq called out to his daughter.
Not turning around, Korra only let loose a "Too late for that!".
After that, the two got on a snowmobile, heading back towards the location of the Southern Portal. On the way, Korra apologized to Asami.
"I'm sorry about my parents. Sometimes they can be so... insensitive".
Asami replied softly:"They were just being cautious. And I kind of understand where they're coming from".
Korra was surprised. "You do?".
The older girl nodded. "Listen- I'm not embarrassed or ashamed to be with you at all. So if you wanted to tell the world about us, I'd be right behind you".
Shortly later, they reached a White Lotus outpost near ( actually a safe distance away ) the portal, parking the snowmobile at that place; then, they continued on foot. Once they were out of earshot, Asami spoke again:
"As I said, if you wanted to tell people about us, I'd always stay with you. But there's a selfish part of me that wants you all for myself... At least for a little while longer. I guess that's why I was hesitant to tell your parents in the first place".
Korra sighed, downcast. "I'm such an idiot. You were trying to tell me you didn't want to go and I just steamrolled over your feelings. My dad's right, I do get overexcited. I'm sorry".
The long-haired girl turned her head towards her beloved. "It's all right. I'm excited too. But what we have, it's kind of like the Spirit World- It's special and rare. And not everybody is going to see it that way".
She lovingly grasped three of Korra's left fingers. Korra, then, said:
"Asami, no matter what anyone says about us, I'll have your back. You can count on that".
"Same here".
And then they walked through the portal.
As the couple emerged from the golden Spirit Portal, they immediately heard the sounds of bickering.
"You have ten seconds to vacate this area, or I'll call the police!".
The voice belonged to a businessman, middle aged, having quite a big belly due to the luxurious lifestyle, and an aura of an... arrogant and lordly buffoon. After what he said, he began counting.
"Ten... Nine... Eight...".
Standing before him were the members of the Air Nation, and leading them to oppose the rich and imperious schmuck was none other than Jinora. Upon hearing the man count, she swiftly countered:
"You can keep counting, but we're not going anywhere!".
Supporting her were Kai and Opal, who quickly agreed with what Jinora had said.
"Yeah!".
"You tell him, Jinora!".
Irritated by the young girl's stubbornness, the business man scowled.
"Listen, young lady, you and your air associates need to go back to your island. This is my property!", he barked.
Tenzin's eldest refused to step down. "This land is sacred now! It belongs to the spirits".
Hurriedly approaching her friends, Korra half-turned to look at her girlfriend. "Look like our vacation's officially over".
Once Jinora detected the duo advancing towards the spirit vine-covered edge of the crater a short distance away, she called out to her "big sister".
"Korra, you're back!".
Looking straight at the younger girl, the Avatar asked:"What's going on?", while Asami glanced at the man with annoyance.
"We were having a nice, quiet meditation session around the portal…", explained Jinora, "… when that guy showed up, yelling at us to leave".
"Who is he?". The young Avatar was puzzled.
Without expressing courtesy, the man shamelessly interrupted the conversation by telling her his name. "Wonyong Keum. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Avatar Korra".
"What are you doing here?", Asami inquired Keum curtly.
"Miss Sato?". Keum was surprised to see the head of Future Industries side by side with the Avatar. "Why, I almost didn't recognize you. The last time I saw you-".
She cut him off immediately. "I was fourteen and you'd just walked out on an important deal with my father".
"That was business, nothing personal. And I'm very sorry to hear what happened to your father".
Asami's gaze hardened. "I don't want your condolences".
Seeing that he was not welcomed by the Sato girl, the sharp-suited man turned his attention back to Korra, bold-facedly demanded her:"Anyway… Avatar Korra, if you would be so kind as to escort these interlopers off my land".
Jinora warned at once:"Korra, don't listen to him. He's trying to turn this whole area into an amusement park! He wants to build a road so he can drive truckloads of tourists into the Spirit World!".
The man smiled. "She makes it sound so crass. This will be a state-of-the-art experience for the discerning traveler! The Spirit World is a wondrous and beautiful place. Everyone should have the opportunity and access to experience it, don't you think?".
The Avatar didn't know what to say. "Well…".
However, Asami briskly stepped in. "The Spirit World is a beautiful place. And that's why people like you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near it!".
"You can yell at me all you like, but it won't do any good", Keum countered, "Keum Enterprises owns this land. And these deeds give me the right to do whatever I want with it".
Then, all of a sudden, a spirit appeared, scaring the bad side out of the man, causing him to yelp out loud. "You're just another human who refuses to respect the sacred".
It continued:"You think a piece of paper gives you the right to ravage and plunder the Spirit World?".
After that, it turned to Korra. "I urge you to close the portal, Avatar. It was never meant to be here and humans like this man will only exploit it".
Not hesitating, Korra replied:"Not long ago, I came to you for help and you said spirits wouldn't get involved with human conflicts. Why are you so interested now?".
lazily flying towards the portal, the creature responded:"Because now there is a portal to the Spirit World in the middle of a metropolis. I have no choice but to protect my kind".
Korra spoke gently:"I understand you want to keep the spirits safe. We all do. But shutting the portal isn't the answer".
Next, she turned to others. "And I'm not just saying that because I almost died when this portal was created. I truly believe that this new spiritual energy will have a harmonious effect on the people of Republic City".
Inwardly sighing, the dragon-eel said:"Very well, Avatar. I can't force you to close the portal. But I will hold you responsible for keeping it safe".
Instantly, Asami turned to her beloved. "You won't have to protect it alone".
"Yeah. We're all here to help", chimed in Opal, smiling supportively.
Not wanting to admit defeat yet, Keum closed the distance between him and the Avatar, pointing a finger at her face. "This still doesn't change the fact that you are all trespassing on my land! I want you out of here immediately!".
Before Korra could say anything, a stern, female voice sounded behind Keum.
"No, they are not".
Upon turning around, Keum saw that he was looking at the face of the bane of his corporate existence - Professor Asima, head of the Joint Department of Engineering, Biology and Chemistry of Sokka University, and one of the first of the self-labeled "environmental activists". Taking another step forwards to Keum, gazing at him with her sharp eyes, she finished what she'd intended to say.
"But you are".
Gritting his teeth, Keum could only utter a hateful "You".
Smiling humorlessly, the long and dark-haired, slightly brown-skinned, 30-something woman, who was accompanied by an entourage of about a dozen men and women, both young and old, in white, buttoned lab coat, responded:"Yes, it's me. Been a while, isn't it?".
"What do you want... professor?", the head of Keum Enterprises growled.
"I want nothing", the woman spoke flatly and straightforwardly, "but I have requested the President to grant the Joint Department of Engineering, Biology and Chemistry of the University the priority, and privilege…". She turned to Korra, Asami ( who smiled warmly at the older woman ) and the airbenders for their benefit. "… to be able to study the wonderful flora that this portal has bestowed upon us all, for the beneficial interests of both humans and the spirits. And according to all the contributions the University has been giving Republic City, and the world, for the past three decades, under the name of Councilman Sokka, the esteemed Mr. Raiko saw no apparent reasons to refuse. This land right now still belongs to the spirits, and their heroic, human airbending guardians, and before that, the public property of Republic City; therefore, even though I have authority over you, I will, nevertheless, personally ask the Avatar her permission for my students and assistants to respectfully analyze the magnificent spirit-ecology around here. Meaning, your deeds have been revoked; you and your faking underlings can make haste… and leave now".
Keum was confounded. "W-what? Revoked? Im... Impossible! I paid for this land with my own money!".
Asima smiled thinly. "Oh, Wonyong, you should have known that... there's nothing I can't do. And thank you for your... generous and selfless donation to help the University's Green Project further develop the world's path towards... unity".
Following that, deciding to ignore the perturbed corporate man and turning her attention towards the young Avatar, the female professor addressed her:
"Avatar Korra, my name is Asima, and as the representative of both the Join Department and Sokka University, I ask you for the permission to conduct research here in a friendly and peaceful manner, followed by deferential procedures and protocols". Next, she raised her right hand, palm open and facing outward. "And under Republic City's law, I solemnly swear that I am telling the truth and nothing else, and by my profession, if I am lying, then I don't deserve the honor of being an individual of science".
Once she finished talking, she waited for Korra to answer.
The Avatar, being unfamiliar with science and formal, modern oaths, looked at Asami for guidance. She, then, received a gentle nod. Smiling with understanding, she turned back to the older woman; and to her own surprise, she saw herself offering Asima her hand.
"As long as you respect the spirits, you are always welcome here".
Not hesitating, yet not being eager either, the other female grasped and shook Korra's hand, and Korra inwardly noticed that the woman's grip was pretty strong for a professor.
"My gratitude, Avatar Korra. Your wise decision will be helping us a great deal".
After facing Asami to courteously acknowledge her again, still ignoring Keum, yet hearing the man's "Hmph!" and his shouts at his work crew as he was forced to depart, Asima ( and if you think I just swapped some letters in Asami's name for this character's, that is NOT the case. It is unintentional ) turned to regard her entourage.
"Alright, people. We have work to do. Time to get busy", she announced, her absentmindedly touching the object signifying her devotion to a greater cause than science, but it's still connected to science nonetheless; which lied in her grey lab coat's inner pocket - the brass carving of the symbol of the Life Tree; to steel herself even further.
The next step of our goal now is underway.